Slemani Museum
As Sulaymānīyah
The Sulaymaniyah Museum, also known as the Slemani Museum, is a prominent archaeological museum located in Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Established in 1961, it is the second largest museum in Iraq after the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts spanning from the prehistoric period through to the late Islamic and Ottoman periods. Its current building, opened in 1980, features 6000 square meters of exhibition space across multiple halls, including a renovated hall supported by UNESCO. The museum has played a vital role in preserving Iraqi heritage, especially after the 2003 looting of Baghdad's National Museum, by recovering stolen artifacts. It features several permanent galleries, such as the Paikuli Gallery exhibiting inscribed stone blocks from the Sassanian king Narseh’s monument, and a Prehistory Gallery showcasing artifacts from Paleolithic caves and ancient sites in Iraqi Kurdistan. In addition, the museum hosts "Slemani Museum Kids," Iraq's first dedicated children’s museum space with educational tools. Collaborations with international institutions like UNESCO, Sapienza University of Rome, and the University of Glasgow have contributed to the museum's development and exhibitions. The museum's use of modern technologies, such as 3D scanning of ancient tablets, highlights its commitment to innovative heritage preservation.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the museum's official website or contact them by phone for current opening hours and any special exhibitions. The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid crowds. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for group visits or special events. The museum offers educational programs and a dedicated children's hall, making it suitable for family visits. Discounts may be available for students and groups. Guided tours can enhance the visitor experience by providing detailed historical context.
Interesting facts
- •The Sulaymaniyah Museum is Iraq's second largest museum after the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad.
- •It houses artifacts dating from the prehistoric period to the late Islamic and Ottoman periods.
- •The museum was closed during the Iraq-Iran war and the Gulf War but reopened officially in 2000.
- •It played a key role in recovering stolen artifacts after the 2003 looting of Baghdad's National Museum.
- •The Paikuli Gallery displays inscribed stone blocks from the Sassanian king Narseh's commemorative monument, exhibited publicly for the first time in 2019.
- •The museum features Iraq's first dedicated children's museum space, 'Slemani Museum Kids,' opened in 2019.
- •High-resolution 3D scans of ancient tablets are available online via Heidelberg University’s Dataverse.
- •Several halls have been renovated with UNESCO's support, including a hall reopened in 2023.
History
The Sulaymaniyah Museum officially opened on July 14, 1961, initially housed in a small building in the Shorsh District.
In 1980, it moved to its current large building on Salim Street.
The museum was closed during the Iraq-Iran war (1980–1988) and again after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990.
It reopened officially in 2000 under Jalal Talabani's leadership.
After 2003, the museum was instrumental in recovering looted artifacts from the National Museum in Baghdad.
Since 2011, it has collaborated with UNESCO on renovations and expansion projects.
New permanent galleries, such as the Paikuli Gallery and Prehistory Gallery, were inaugurated between 2019 and 2021, reflecting ongoing development and international cooperation.
Place Guide
Paikuli Gallery2019
A permanent exhibition opened in 2019 showcasing inscribed stone blocks from the Sassanian king Narseh's monument dating to around 293 CE. It includes newly discovered blocks, coins, and bullae, highlighting Sassanian heritage.
Slemani Museum Kids2019
Opened in 2019, this is Iraq's first bespoke museum space dedicated to children, featuring educational and demonstrative tools designed to engage young visitors with archaeology and heritage.
Narseh Gallery2021
Permanent gallery inaugurated in 2021 displaying four large high relief busts and one carved bust of the Sassanian king Narseh, originally from the Paikuli Tower in Sulaymaniyah, dating to c. 293 CE.
Prehistory Gallery2021
A renovated exhibition space opened in 2021 displaying hundreds of artifacts from the prehistoric period, mainly from Paleolithic caves and ancient sites in Iraqi Kurdistan, sponsored by the US Embassy.
Contact
Phone: 053 320 0609
